Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 236: Good Brother

"Good job!" Zhang Yi praised with a smile.

Lu Keran, with her hands clasped behind her back and her fingers fidgeting shyly, smiled and said, "Try it out first and see if it fits! I made it to match the dimensions of your sniper rifle, but if it doesn’t feel right, I can still make adjustments."

Zhang Yi nodded, "It’s well done!"

Hearing Zhang Yi's praise, Lu Keran's cheeks turned rosy with excitement. "Big Brother, if you need anything else, just let me know. I’ll do my best to make it for you!"

Zhang Yi smiled, "That’s exactly why I’m here."

He put his arm around Lu Keran’s shoulder and guided her to a nearby chair. Feeling Zhang Yi’s warm hand on her shoulder, Lu Keran’s heart began to race. Despite often presenting herself as a tomboy, she felt something new and unfamiliar stirring within her.

"Keran, can you make grenades, landmines, and explosives?" Zhang Yi asked.

Lu Keran turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise as if she had just heard something unbelievable. Zhang Yi blinked and asked with a grin, "Is it too difficult?"

"Not at all!" Lu Keran suddenly stood up, seemingly a bit displeased. "Big Brother, you’re underestimating me! I thought you were going to ask for something complicated."

"Hmph, the things you mentioned aren’t even as challenging as making a new energy battery!" She pouted slightly, clearly unhappy that Zhang Yi had doubted her abilities. "You don’t appreciate my skills enough, asking me to make such basic stuff."

Zhang Yi was momentarily speechless. For a genius like her, were those things really that simple?

Seeing Zhang Yi’s surprised expression, Lu Keran understood what he was thinking. She explained, "Those items aren’t particularly useful in modern warfare. Maybe they were effective in single-soldier operations a hundred years ago, but making gunpowder is something even a high school student could do with the right materials. It's just sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal."

Zhang Yi laughed, "Things aren’t like they used to be. With the arrival of the extreme cold era, aircraft carriers and planes have become nearly obsolete. Now, wars are fought on a much smaller scale between individuals. In this environment, landmines and explosives have their place again."

Zhang Yi then told her about the discoveries Yang Xinxin had made. "Our shelter has been targeted. We don’t know who’s behind it, but it’s likely a well-armed organization. I must upgrade our defenses and set up more traps around the area to ensure our safety. Do you understand?"

After hearing Zhang Yi’s explanation, Lu Keran’s expression turned serious. "I see. I’m sorry, Big Brother. I didn’t realize the situation was so serious."

Given her lack of experience with human conflict, her ignorance was understandable.

Zhang Yi smiled reassuringly, "It’s okay. Just focus on your work. You don’t need to worry about anything else—I’ll take care of it."

"I’ll protect you," Zhang Yi said gently, his hands resting on her shoulders, his eyes full of sincerity. Lu Keran, who had little experience with the world, couldn’t help but be moved to tears.

"Big Brother… You’re so good to me. I… I don’t know how to repay you!" Tears began to fall from her eyes.

Zhang Yi gently wiped her tears away and said softly, "The first time I met you, I felt an instant connection. You look so much like the little sister I once had. The moment I saw you, I just wanted to protect you."

Lu Keran sniffled, her wide, innocent eyes blinking at him. "Really?"

"Of course. Why would I lie to you?" Zhang Yi replied with a warm smile.

Lu Keran beamed with joy. In the chaos of the apocalypse, having such a kind man treat her like a little sister was a blessing. Yet, for some reason, her heart had a slight sense of dissatisfaction.

A sister? Is that all I can be?

Before she could dwell on the thought, Zhang Yi’s hand had gently touched her flushed cheek, making her face even hotter. Her head started to spin.

"Listen to your brother, okay? Don’t worry about anything else—I’m here to care for you."

"As long as I’m around, no harm will come to you."

Lu Keran’s mind was completely muddled, her eyes dazed. Never before had she been treated so affectionately by a man.

"Mm, mm, mm." She could only nod repeatedly, unable to speak, agreeing with everything Zhang Yi said.

Zhang Yi smiled and said, "Alright, then. You get back to work, but take care of yourself. Don’t overwork, okay?"

With that, he left the workshop, leaving Lu Keran with a dreamy, faraway look in her eyes.

After stepping outside, Zhang Yi took a deep breath, reflecting on how he had once again captured the heart of an innocent young girl. But when it came to Lu Keran, a true treasure, he knew he had to keep her close. She needed to be completely loyal to him.

Using a bit of charm was a small price to pay if necessary. After all, weapons were too dangerous to be entrusted to anyone but those he could fully trust.

Zhang Yi thought momentarily and then took out his phone to send a message to Uncle You and Fatty Xu, informing them about the potential threat and urging them to stay vigilant.

"Recently, I’ve noticed an unknown presence nearby. It’s close, so be careful. Don’t trust anyone too easily in these times."

"Due to the snow disaster, official organizations are no longer able to effectively manage different regions. Be especially cautious of anyone claiming to represent the government."

"And remember, under no circumstances should you reveal our abilities. This is extremely important, so please keep it in mind!"

After reading Zhang Yi’s message, Uncle You and Fatty Xu were startled into action. They quickly agreed to stay alert and follow Zhang Yi’s advice.

For Zhang Yi, this was all he could do. After all, he had no intention of leaving the safety of the shelter. With this fortress-like stronghold, he was confident that he could handle any enemy, no matter how powerful.

"However, the most dangerous situation right now might be with Fatty Xu’s group," Zhang Yi thought, recalling the location on the map. The signal source spying on them was positioned right along the path between the Cloud Manor and Xu’s Town.

Zhang Yi frowned and sent another message to Fatty Xu: "If you run into trouble and can’t handle it, head straight for my place."

As an ice-element Superhuman, Fatty Xu was too valuable to lose. Zhang Yi couldn’t afford to let anything happen to him.